The Bangladesh Spoon-billed Sandpiper Conservation Project (BSCP) is a flagship initiative of the Species Conservation and Protection of Ecosystems (SCOPE) Foundation, which has been working since 2009 to conserve the Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper and its habitats in Bangladesh. The project integrates both scientific research and community-based conservation approaches.
Recognising the importance of community engagement, the BSCP team continuously explores innovative ways to raise awareness among local people about shorebirds, their habitats and broader wetland conservation. In Bangladesh, a riverine country with a rich cultural connection to boats and traditional boat racing, especially in coastal areas, such cultural practices offer a unique opportunity for conservation outreach.
To utilise this cultural platform, the BSCP team organised a traditional rowing competition near a key Spoon-billed Sandpiper wintering site at Sonadia Island in the south-eastern coastal region of Bangladesh. The event was held on 30 March 2026, with active participation and support from the local community. Prior to the event, local residents were invited through announcements and social media outreach, generating strong interest and engagement. Local community leaders and representatives from the local Bangladesh Forest Department attended the event.
The competition took place during peak high tide in the morning. A total of five teams participated, each consisting of six members and named after a shorebird species (e.g., Team SBS, Team Godwit, Team Knot, Team Plover and Team Curlew). Each team wore distinct coloured t-shirts, allowing easy identification even from a distance.
The event attracted approximately 1,200 participants and spectators from diverse backgrounds, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Traditional songs performed by local singers added to the celebration, while conservation messages were delivered in the local language throughout the event. This engaging and culturally relevant approach effectively captured the audience’s attention and enhanced awareness of shorebird conservation. At the conclusion of the competition, prizes were awarded to the winning and runner-up teams. Before the prize distribution, speeches were delivered by the Forest Department and BSCP representatives, and local community leaders, emphasising the importance of conserving shorebirds and their habitats.
This marks the third rowing competition by BSCP, continuing its tradition of combining cultural heritage with conservation awareness. The programme once again demonstrated strong community appeal and effectiveness as a conservation outreach tool. This event was supported by BirdLife International – Emergency Site Casework and Biome Conservation.
